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El34 vs. KT88

I'm trying to decide which way to go. I have only heard the EL34's in action so far. Did some searching, and I couldn't find what the info I'm looking for yet.

I will using the amp with a pair of old Vandersteen 2C's. Currently considering Line Magnetic 211IA, Rogue Cronus, Primaluna Dialogue, Mystere ia11, and the Sofia 126-03.

What I want to know is which tube will accentuate the highs (10khz and above) better w/o sounding too harsh?

I may also consider 300B or 6L6. Thanks for any tube suggestions.
robertsong

Showing 4 responses by rrog

rrog
1,958 posts
 
Find yourself a used Audio Research amp and preamp in your price range, 60 watts per channel or more with Audioquest cables. It's the perfect match with your older 2Cs.

Forget about 300Bs and any other low powered amps. They will not cut it in the bass on those speakers.
rrog
1,958 posts
 
The Audio Research amplifiers that are the same vintage as your 2Cs used 6550 output tubes. If you have a budget of $2,000-$2,500 you can pick up an ARC Classic 60 and SP-14 preamp and you will have a first class system that is a perfect match. Add a Vandersteen 2W subwoofer and you will be hard-pressed to find a better sounding system regardless of price.
rrog
1,958 posts
 
Robertsong, If you plan on using the older 2Cs stick with ARC. That is all Richard Vandersteen used at the shows back then and Audioquest used Vandersteen speakers to evaluate their cables. You can't go wrong.
rrog
1,958 posts
 

"I have only heard the EL34's in action so far."

"I know for a fact that there are many good tube amps out there that work great with the 2C's."

Oh really?
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